Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 1/7/2009

Question
Dear Dr. Bornfeld,
Late December 2008 I had a deep cleaning of my lower and upper right side because of diagnosis of early peritonitis. I am in my early 60’s.
I was injected with a anesthetic at the back area of my jaw. My problem now is I can not open my jaw normally and completely as previously. When I try to open WIDE I can not and there is much pain in the jaw on that side. For ex. I find it difficult to open wide to bite into a banana. One week after the procedure the Dentist said it's probably a muscle spasm. I am ½ way through Ciprofloxacin prescription total for one week. I still cannot open my mouth widely as necessary.

I am scheduled for the left side cleaning in less than 2 weeks. Your reply is greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.  

Answer
Dear Fred,

In all likelihood, you are experiencing spasm of the muscles that close the jaw. This causes the muscles to contract, become tender, and temporarily lose their full range of motion. This phenomenon is either due to puncture of one of those muscles during the injection of the local anesthetic, or from the prolonged period of time during the dental procedure, when your mouth remained open. This is most probably NOT an infection, and the administration of antibiotics is inappropriate unless it was prescribed for an unrelated problem.

Although muscle spasm is temporary and usually resolves without incident, some individuals take longer for this to happen. It would be best to practice GENTLE stretching exercises, and apply moist heat to the outside of the painful side of your jaw. Your dentist might also consider providing you with a prescription for a muscle relaxant to hasten the healing process.

I would advise against moving forward with the second part of your cleaning until your current symptoms have resolved completely, because additional stress may prolong the recovery period.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY